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Cape Verde continued their dream run at the FIFA World Cup and qualified for the Round of 32 after playing out a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia in Houston
on Friday. Cape Verde is playing the FIFA World Cup for the first time, but have looked a team full of confidence. They pulled off a massive surprise against pre-tournament favourites Spain in their first game after playing out a 0-0 draw. This was followed by an impressive performance against two-time champions Uruguay, where they forced a 2-2 draw. The draw against Saudi took Cape Verde's tally of points to three, behind 2010 Champions Spain, who sit at the helm with four points. The result also meant that Uruguay joined Saudi Arabia in making an early exit from the tournament.
Cape Verde Creates History
Meanwhile, the qualification helped Cape Verde create history at the FIFA World Cup. They were already the third least populated country to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, and the Round of 32 qualification meant that they are now the smallest nation in terms of population to ever reach the knockout stages of the marquee event. Cape Verde's population of 525,000 is smaller than that of all 50 U.S. states.The team also became the first debutant to go unbeaten in three group stage matches at the FIFA World Cup since Senegal in 2002.
